Namiestnik i burmistrzowie : sprawowanie władzy w Kiejdanach w "pisaniach" Piotra Kochlewskiego

Abstract

The article discusses issues concerning the functioning of Kiejdany in the 17th century as represented in Piotr Kochlewski’s writings and his replies to the letters of the city’s mayor – Józef Zygmuntowicz. Kochlewski, who was a deputy in the private city of Krzysztof Radziwiłł, reported to his master on building of the Protestant community and a school, among others. He also responded to the allegations made by Zygmuntowicz, disagreeing with his position on such matters as land measurement, punishing townspeople and enforcement of Radziwiłł’s recommendations. He accused the mayor of ill-treatment of the citizens and manipulating public opinion; he also criticized the mayor’s self-serving attitude during a plague. The position in these disputable matters was also taken by Prince Krzysztof, who in a letter addressed to mayors of Kiejdany supported his governor.